Black River finds new boys basketball coach in its own backyard

Despite massive cuts in its teaching core, Black River didn’t have to leave campus to find a boys basketball coach.

High school German teacher Don Brunker will become the 14th coach in school history. He succeeds Bryan Morgan, who lost his teaching job and declined an offer to stay as coach after compiling a 29-35 record over three seasons.

Brunker was the head coach at Ashland Mapleton last winter, compiling a 3-18 record. He previously served as junior varsity coach at Black River under Ron Hoyt and at Highland under Chris Kestner.

“It means a lot to be able to be in the building because of the relationships I can build with the kids,” said Brunker, who beat out popular middle school coach Jamie Maslanka for the job. “I already know the kids pretty well and it was a tough decision to leave Mapleton. I enjoyed it there, but this is a better situation as far as being able to build the program. I’m looking forward to that terrific opportunity.”

The 30-year-old Norton resident takes over a squad that finished 10-12, 5-8 in the Patriot Athletic Conference this winter. It marked the second time since 1969 the school had back-to-back 10-win seasons.

“Jon Sas played a phenomenal game (against Mapleton). I know Joe Tutie also played well and Jacob O’Connor was very solid. Those three coming back as starters are very good. We also have talented kids off the bench that I’m looking forward to working with.”